Diverticular disease is when problems occur due to

diverticulosis Diverticulosis is the condition of having multiple pouches (diverticulum, diverticula) in the colon (anatomy), colon that are not inflamed. These are outpockets of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through weaknesses of muscle layers in the col ...

, a condition defined by the presence of pouches in the wall of the

large intestine The large intestine, also known as the large bowel, is the last part of the gastrointestinal tract and of the digestive system in tetrapods. Water is absorbed here and the remaining waste material is stored in the rectum as feces before being r ...

(diverticula). This includes diverticula becoming inflamed ( diverticulitis) or

bleeding Bleeding, hemorrhage, haemorrhage or blood loss, is blood escaping from the circulatory system from damaged blood vessels. Bleeding can occur internally, or externally either through a natural opening such as the mouth, nose, ear, urethra, vag ...

. Colonic perforation due to diverticular disease may be classified using the

Hinchey Classification Hinchey Classification is used to describe perforations of the colon due to diverticulitis. The classification was developed by Dr. E John Hinchey (1934–present), a general surgeon at the Montreal General Hospital and professor of surgery at M ...

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of diverticulitis are as follows: *

Nausea Nausea is a diffuse sensation of unease and discomfort, sometimes perceived as an urge to vomit. While not painful, it can be a debilitating symptom if prolonged and has been described as placing discomfort on the chest, abdomen, or back of the ...

and vomiting. *

Fever Fever, also referred to as pyrexia, is defined as having a body temperature, temperature above the human body temperature, normal range due to an increase in the body's temperature Human body temperature#Fever, set point. There is not a single ...

Abdominal tenderness The abdomen (colloquially called the belly, tummy, midriff, tucky or stomach) is the part of the body between the thorax (chest) and pelvis, in humans and in other vertebrates. The abdomen is the front part of the abdominal segment of the torso. ...

Constipation Constipation is a bowel dysfunction that makes bowel movements infrequent or hard to pass. The stool is often hard and dry. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling as if one has not completely passed the bowel movement ...

Diarrhea Diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements each day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss. Signs of dehydration often begin wi ...

*Pain, may be persistent for days. Pain is usually most felt at the right side of the abdomen, by people of Asian descent.

Causes

The causes of Diverticular disease can be classified into: *Diverticula: This occurs when the weak tissues around the colon tear under pressure. Pouches of marble size protrude through the colon wall as a result of this breakaway. *Diverticulitis: This is a direct result of the tear in diverticula, causing inflammation.

Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the increased risk factor for diverticulitis: A diet that is low in fibre and high in fat may increase the risk of developing diverticular disease Other factors are obesity, lack of exercise or physical inactivity, smoking, genetic disorders.

Diagnosis

Tenderness can be noticed over the inflamed tissues and an elevation of white blood cell counts is also observed after an examination by a physician. This inflammation is typically in the lower left abdomen. CT scan is the most appropriate method used for diagnosis.

References

{{Reflist Diseases of intestines